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Lunar Formation

All articles tagged with #lunar formation

science1 year ago•6 min saved

"The Moon's Ancient Transformation: Inside-Out Reveal"

Over 4.2 billion years ago, the moon underwent a significant transformation, potentially "turning itself inside out," according to a team of scientists from the University of Arizona. Their research suggests that the moon's early history involved the sinking of dense, titanium-rich material into its interior, leading to the creation of the lunar surface we see today. By analyzing data from NASA's GRAIL mission, the team found evidence supporting their theories, shedding new light on the moon's formation and evolution. This research could have implications for future lunar exploration missions, providing a deeper understanding of our celestial neighbor.

via Livescience.com|

#grail-mission #lunar-formation #moon

space-science1 year ago•6 min saved

"The Moon's Ancient Transformation: Unveiling the Inside-Out Mystery"

Over 4.2 billion years ago, the moon underwent a process that turned it inside out, leading to the formation of its familiar surface. Scientists from the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory propose that the moon formed rapidly, leaving it entirely covered with a hot magma ocean at first. As this ocean cooled and hardened, it would have formed the outer layers of the moon, including its mantle and crust. The team's research, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, suggests that the moon's earliest history is written below the surface, and future missions, such as NASA's Artemis III mission, could provide further insights into the moon's evolution.

via Space.com|

#grail-mission #lunar-formation #moon

science-and-space2 years ago•1 min saved

New Research Reveals Surprising Age of the Moon

New research from Northwestern University suggests that the moon may be 40 million years older than previously believed. Scientists studying zircon crystals in lunar dust brought back by Apollo 17 astronauts estimated the age of the crystals to be 4.46 billion years old using atom probe tomography and radiometric dating. The moon's formation is thought to have occurred over 4 billion years ago when a Mars-sized object collided with a young Earth. Understanding the moon's age and composition is crucial as it plays a significant role in stabilizing Earth's rotational axis and influencing tides. NASA's upcoming Artemis missions are expected to provide further insights into our lunar companion.

via Travel + Leisure|

#age #lunar-formation #moon

science-and-space2 years ago•3 min saved

"Newly discovered moon rock reveals surprising age discrepancy"

Zircon crystals found in a rock collected by Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt in 1972 have provided scientists with new insights into the moon's formation and its age. Using a method called atom probe tomography, researchers confirmed that the moon formed more than 4.46 billion years ago, about 40 million years earlier than previously believed. The crystals, which formed after a giant impact between Earth and a Mars-sized object called Theia, help shed light on the moon's role in stabilizing Earth's axis and its significance for future space exploration.

via Reuters|

#age-of-the-moon #apollo-17 #lunar-formation

science2 years ago•4 min saved

New Study Reveals Moon's Surprising Age: 40 Million Years Older Than Previously Believed

The moon is believed to be 40 million years older than previously thought, according to a study using lunar crystals brought back from the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The crystals, which formed after the giant impact that created the moon, were analyzed using radiometric dating, pushing back the moon's age to at least 4.46 billion years old. Understanding the moon's age is important as it plays a crucial role in stabilizing Earth's rotational axis and influencing tides. The findings provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our natural system.

via Daily Mail|

#giant-impact-theory #lunar-crystals #lunar-formation